Leonard Peltier: Indian Martyr
Mon, Aug 08, 2011 4:35 pm
By Dan Skye
On August 6-7, a host of international activists gathered near the federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, PA for an evening candlelight vigil and morning rally in support of Leonard Peltier. Peltier, who has been behind bars for over 35 years, was convicted in 1977 of the murder of two FBI agents on the Pine Ridge Indian reservation in South Dakota. His case stands as one of the worst miscarriages of justice ever perpetrated upon an American citizen.
During the 1970s, Pine Ridge, SD had the highest murder rate per capita in the nation, the result of strife between AIM activists and corrupt tribal police. The FBI had been complicit in the harassment of AIM sympathizers and so-called “traditionals.”
In June 1975, a firefight broke out on a rural ranch between two FBI agents and a group of AIM Indians. Both agents were killed at close range. In the tense, war-like conditions of Pine Ridge, the shooting began before the FBI agents could identify themselves.
Despite the presence of multiple police agencies, the Indians – which included women and children – were able to escape. Peltier was later captured the following year. In his ensuing trial, it was clear that evidence had been fabricated and witnesses were coerced. Both murders were pinned on Peltier despite the fact that two other Indians – who were present at the shooting scene – had already been acquitted. Peltier was sentenced to two life terms.
The government has conceded that it cannot be certain Peltier was responsible. Unfortunately, his court appeals have failed. Sadly, he has been denied clemency by the past three Presidents. Many believe President Obama may grant him clemency if he fails to be reelected. It remains to be seen; the FBI continues to vigorously oppose such a notion.
Behind bars Peltier has become an outstanding artist, what “keeps me alive,” he says. However, at present Peltier is unable to paint, in a 23-hour lockdown for 60 days for possession of currency not authorized by the penitentiary.
While in prison, Peltier has become a leading spokesperson for Native rights and has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize six times. His case has gained international interest.
Among the vigil attendees were supporters from across the nation and from as far away as Germany. Peltier’s sister, Betty, arrived from North Dakota. She has been prevented from visiting her brother and worries about his health; Peltier, 67, suffers from a heart condition. Attorney Michael Kuzma was also in attendance. He called the process of defending Peltier “extremely difficult,” as the federal government has incarcerated him with continuing malice.
To learn more about Leonard Peltier, visit whoisleonardpeltier.info or watch Incident at Oglala, the excellent documentary narrated by Robert Redford, which chronicles the government conspiracy to make Peltier the scapegoat for a tragedy. Also visit leonardpeltierart.com to purchase his artwork. All proceeds go to his defense fund.
The activists' message was clear.
Betty Ann Peltier, Leonard's sister, has been unable to visit her brother.
A Native song is played on the flute by Jackie Tice in support of Peltier.
Peltier supporters from across the nation attended the candlelight vigil.
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Donovan Taylor Bear Tusk
Nov 3 2011, 12:05 pm
Nuggsandjuggs
Aug 12 2011, 11:36 pm
Dan Skye, Executive Editor
Aug 11 2011, 4:57 pm
Ben Carnes
Aug 11 2011, 11:51 am
His case has been reviewed by legal scholars, attorneys for foreign governments, which has led to a call for his freedom by world political/spiritual leaders and even Amnesty International. Still, there are a few agents, active & retired, who would like to cause people to believe that Peltier was able to fool everyone, except them. Well, we all know how bad the feds are and what lengths they will go to in order to get their man. Why should they be believed now?
They continue this front hoping to keep the truth buried until Peltier is dead himself. There is an upcoming film "Wind Chases the Sun" highlighting Peltiers case with new and updated information than Robert Redford "Incident at Oglala", which is still a good film. Also the fictionalized version of the events in Pine Ridge portrayed in "Thunderheart" were composites of actual events. "Lakota Woman: Siege at Wounded Knee" also shows the level of violence and corruption that was rampant on the reservations which led to the assault on the encampment, which the feds love to call a compound, leaving one Indian man murdered and two federal agents dead.
This was not a simple case as the government has attempted to downplay it in media interviews. Their complicity is readily apparent, and it is no wonder there is an outrage on his case. Another generation has been born since the days we conducted series of events focusing attention on his case. I hope that the readers of HT will look into this story and join forces with the LPDOC to bring an innocent man home.
Dan Skye
Aug 10 2011, 9:56 am
It always amazes me how brave people are online--so brave that they can't sign their real name. In truth, you're just one more coward spewing hate.
Caneadea "Candace" deWelleaux
Aug 10 2011, 4:22 am
It is an honor to stand up for Leonard because he is INNOCENT and a good man... He doesn't deserve to be in solitary let alone in prison...
anonymous
Aug 9 2011, 10:18 pm
Leonard Peiltier is a fraud and a murderer.
gstlab3
Aug 9 2011, 9:01 pm
I WAS IN ONE OF THESE'PRISONS OF REFORM JUST ONE OF MANY BREAKING CAMPS SO I TOTALLY FEEL FOR THIS MAN WHO IS A BIGGER MAN THAN MOST FOR FIGHTING FOR HIS TRIBAL BROTHERS.
REMEMBER THIS KIDS.,
THE FBI IS A CORRUPT AGENT OF THE., NWO/COMMUNIST PARTY.
TO THINK THIS IS STILL CALLED THE LAND OF THE FREE AND HOME OF THE BRAVE.,
FOR ME IT'S A TOTAL SHAM.
WE DO'NT HAVE FREEDOM AND WE DO'NT HAVE ENOUGH FREEDOM FIGHTERS THAT KNOW THEIR SHIT TO GET THIS COUNTRY BACK FROM THE BRINK OF TYRANY AND COMPLETE MARTIAL LAW.
LET THE DOLLAR SHRINK IN VALUE ANOTHER TEN PERCENT OVER THE NEXT EIGHTEEN MONTHS AND LET THE GOVERNMENT TELL GRANDMOM HER SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK WILL BE SMALLER IN THE NEXT COMING YEAR AND THAT'S WHAT WILL SET THE FIRES.
IF YOU REALLY WANT TO GO THERE WITH THIS WHOLE MESS AS IT STANDS FOR THE AVERAGE AMERICAN YOU AND I OR THIS OLD INDIAN DUDE SITTING IN PRISON FOR THIRTYFIVE YEARS DO'NT STAND A CHANCE AGAINST THESE FBI MOTHER FUCKERS IN COURT!!!
YOU HAVE TO GET THEM IN THE STREETS WITH GUNS AND FIRE.
THE DEBT CEILING MESS MEANS THIS SHIT IS GOING TO CHANGE SOCIETY FOR THE AVERAGE MAN AND WOMAN ON THE STREET AND MORE SO FOR THE WORKING POOR AND UNDEREDUCATED WORKING POOR.
THE GOVERNMENT SLAVEMASTERS "IRS" AND "THE FED.,"
THESE SLAVE OWNERS AND DRIVERS OF OUR OUR WORLD ARE SERIOUSLY DEBATING THE WHOLE SOCIAL SAFETY NET.,
THE WELLFARE PROGRAM SYSTEM ESPECIALLY FOR ANYONE WHO IS STILL YOUNG AND HEALTHY LIKE A LOT OF YOU YOUNG WOMEN WHO SOMEHOW..?? "END UP GETTING PREGNANT???AT WHATEVER AGE AND HAVE NO MEANS OF SUPPORT AND WHO EXPECT TO LIVE OFF OF THE TAX PAYER BETTER THAN THE TAX PAYER DOES WITH FREE MEDICAL FOR EIGHTEEN YEARS FOR EACH CHILD BRINGS ANOTHER EIGHTEEN YEAR RUN ON WELLFARE CHECKS.
SO??
IT IS NO SURPRISE THEN THESE VERY AUSTERITY MOVEMENTS ARE GAINING TRACTION IN WASHINGTON D.C.
EITHER WAY IF YOU ARE POOR AND CAN'T AFFORD THE CHILD REARING THEY ARE GOING TO BE COMING FOR YOUR BABY THROUGH ABORTION CLINICS OR IN THE COURTS.
ONE WAY OR ANOTHER WE CANNOT AFFORD IT AS A COUNTRY ANYMORE AND YOU SAY WHAT?? CHILD SUPPORT??? HA HA THERE ARE NO JOBS FOR THE WORKING CLASS TO AFFORD CHILDREN AND IF YOU WANT TO PLAY DUMB AND PROTECT YOUR "MAN"
aka., "THE BABBYS DADDY" WILL HAVE TO BE IDENTIFIED TO GET ANY HUD OR WELLFARE BENNIFITS AT ALL FROM NOW ON.
IF YOU LISTEN TO THESE GUYS IN D.C. THIS IS WHAT IS COMING DOWN THE PIKE AND YOU GIRLS AND YOUR BABBYS DADDY WONT GET THOSE HUD FOR FREE OR MASSIVELY SUBSIDISED CHEAP APARTMENTS ANYMORE.
IF YOU ARE NOT DISABLED OR OLDER THAN 55 THESE PROGRAMS PROBABLY WILL NOT EXIST IN AS LITTLE AS EIGHTEEN MONTHS., SO BE PREPARED TO COME UP WITH SOME MONEY TO PAY YOUR WAY SOON.
AS FOR MARIJUANA AND FREEDOM AND THESE PEOPLE ROTTING IN PRISON??
I HOPE YOU AND I AND OUR NEIGHBOORS AND THE LOVELY U.S.A. GOVERNMENT CAN STAND UP AND PAY UP AND PAY OFF THESE PEOPLE AND SURVIVE THIS LACK OF JOBS AND MONEY BECAUSE I DO'NT WANT TO BE FORCED TO LET LOOSE ALL THESE PRISONERS OUT ONTO THE STREETS BECAUSE WE CANT AFFORD TO HOUSE AND FEED THEM OR GIVE THEM THEIR ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS.
SAME GOES FOR ALL THESE THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF POOR PEOPLE ON WELLFARE RIGHT NOW.,WE'LL END UP LIKE LONDON BUT WORSE!!!!
THE REAL BAD ONES AND THE TRUE CRIMINALS WOULD'NT REQUIRE MORE THAN A COUPLE OF CENTRAL PRISONS I BET YOU.,!!!!
AND THE REST WE SHOULD JUST EXECUTE FOR THEIR AWEFULL GREED AND HATE INSPIRED CRIMES AND THAT WOULD SAVE US A BUNDLE OF TAX PAYER CASH!!!!!
NOW WOULD'NT IT!!!!????
THE REAL CRIMINALS CAN BE FOUND IN WASHINGTON D.C. AND ON WALL STREET KIDS.,
NOT IN PRISON FOR DEFENDING HIS TRIBAL BROTHERS.
GROW YOUR OWN, FREE YOUR MIND, FREE THE PLANET!!!!!!!!!
Peter Clark
Aug 9 2011, 2:01 pm
Please visit www.whoisleonardpeltier.info to find out what you can do to help and for latest info.
Sarah Johns
Aug 9 2011, 1:23 am
Their was also an Outcry for Leonards Freedom from European Countries..Germany, Spain, France! Across the globe Pleas for Leonards Freedom were shouted, including a Beautiful Banner, brought by the German Delegate!
Leonard is a POLITICAL PRISONER and is ALWAYS on the receiving end of the Lewisberg Wardens Prejudice and SADISM;
Using Leonard like an animal and scapegoat; sending him to "The Hole" likened to the Infamous & INHUMANE "Tiger Cage" used by North Vietnamese on American Prisoners of War, the same as Senator John McCain suffered along with Many others of our Troops!!
The People that Stood UP against the Vietnam War AND the Former/Active Duty Soldiers that are against the USA's Involvement in The Present War in the Middle East are STANDING UP! for Leonard!!
Criminal ABUSE and Railroading of Leonard continues; and Amnesty International, along with other Victims Rights and/ or Organisations are Condemning the Bureau of Prisons, AND for the HORRIFYING, VICIOUS, SADISTIC & INHUMANE Violations of the Geneva Conventions perpetrated upon Leonard.
THIS MUST STOP NOW! The ENTIRE WORLD is Watching, Mr. Obama..Mr Biden, and ALL of you Politicians out there!
How can you ask a man or woman to go fight a War for "Democracy & Freedom"...Moan, Argue, Whine & Wail about the Budget Deficit When the BOP is spending HUGE amounts of TAXPAYERS MONEY to JAIL this Innocent, Older man..a Man that Promotes PEACE! This goes to OTHER Prisons also
Leonard Peltier is an INNOCENT MAN & a Model Prisoner", a Man whom SEVERAL JUDGES have Vehemently have said that Leonards Trial was Nothing BUT a SHAM!
The USA holds Has MORE Prisoners and spends MORE TAX Money on the BOP than ANYWHERE ELSE IN THE WORLD!
Natasha Garcia
Aug 8 2011, 11:58 pm
Bev Martinez
Aug 8 2011, 9:06 pm
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